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This section presents some of the recycling efforts underway for used engine fluids and spent solvents in U-M Transportation Services. New waste minimization and pollution prevention initiatives will be added to this section as they are developed and implemented. For more information on any of the topics in this section, please contact the Department of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health or visit our Web site at www.oseh.umich.edu/. |
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During the performance of maintenance and repair activities on University of
Michigan (U-M) vehicles and equipment, used coolants, engine oils, and spent solvents are
generated. Used coolant may contain heavy metals such as lead, copper, and zinc. Used
engine oil may contain aluminum, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, silicon, and
tin. Decomposition products, such as complex hydrocarbon compounds, are formed when oil is
exposed to high temperatures and pressures inside an engine as it runs, and may also be
present in used engine oil. Spent petroleum based solvents, used to clean engine parts,
are typically considered hazardous waste. If not properly managed, these waste fluids may
present a potential threat to human health and the environment.